Click HERE to download the original photo
The centenary celebrations were to be held at Manzini. We felt it was a central place for everyone. At the same time we were very much aware that "everything started at Mbabane". The first missionaries crossed into Swaziland from South Africa and went to Mbabane where some days after their arrival, they got the place where today is "Mater Dolorosa".
The centenary committee felt it would be good if somehow we could acknowledge the centenary of our presence at Mbabane. We therefore planned a visit of all the bishops for Saturday afternoon.
None of the bishops chose to stay home!
We were welcomed by the Parish Council and, before going into the church for a short prayer, we took a photograph outside the church around the centenary banner.
Our prayer started with the hymn "God's Spirit is in my heart" after which archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo OMI (Bloemfontein) introduced all the bishops present.
The biblical text, in the same spirit of the hymn reminded us of the missionary mandate: "Go and make disciples of all nations... I am with you always" (Mt 28: 16 - 20).
We prayed together:
Lord, you who sent your apostles to go
and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world
and guided the missionaries into your vineyard in Swaziland,
and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world
and guided the missionaries into your vineyard in Swaziland,
we ask you to continue guiding your pilgrim and missionary Church
in proclaiming your Gospel to everyone.
Through the Holy Spirit which animated the apostles
in the beginning of your Holy Church,
guide it today and forever
so that your loving message
reaches the ears of the poor and the rich
and so they become docile to your Holy Spirit
so to fulfil the Kingdom of God in your love.
Amen.
